After the last General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) there has been some unrest among proponents of same-sex marriage in Utah. Some of the comments made in the talk of President Boyd K. Packer have not been received positively by some in the gay and lesbian community.

To disagree seems to me a normal aspect of social life.  During elections this become absolutely obvious, but even when elections are not involved (if this is possible, since we are always between some kind of election) different groups have opinions or beliefs that do not always agree with each other, potentially leading to some sort of conflict.

In some cases the disagreement relates to issues that are so personal that it is hard for some to refrain from reacting in some way. They do not want to accept other people’s point of view, but they want to silence them. This is clearly the case of those who feel attacked by the Mormon Church when its leaders openly teach that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and not between two people of the same gender.

This topic tends to become so laden with strong emotions that it becomes extremely hard to express a point of view that defends traditional marriage without being accused of discrimination and malicious intents. This is what happened to President Boyd K Packer. In his talk President Boyd K. Packer was teaching young (and older) people about the dangers of present times, and what is most important for their happiness in this life and beyond. He said,

This general conference was convened at a time when there is such confusion and such danger that our young people hardly know which way they can walk. Having been warned through the revelations that it would be this way, the prophets and apostles have always been shown what to do…

To be entrusted with the power to create life carries with it the greatest of joys and dangerous temptations. The gift of mortal life and the capacity to kindle other lives is a supernal blessing. Through the righteous exercise of this power, as in nothing else, we may come close to our Father in Heaven and experience a fulness of joy. This power is not an incidental part of the plan of happiness. It is the key—the very key (added emphasis).

As prophets and apostles of God, men like President Packer need to stand for what is right, they need to defend true principles, even if they are not “politically correct” , and the same is true for the members of the Church. At the same time, however, as so well explained by Michael Otterson (Church Responds to HRC Petition)

While we disagree with the Human Rights Campaign on many fundamentals, we also share some common ground. This past week we have all witnessed tragic deaths across the country as a result of bullying or intimidation of gay young men.  We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason.  Such actions simply have no place in our society.

Therefore, it is extremely unfair to compare the leaders of the Mormons Church (or its members) with those who commit those criminal acts against gays or lesbians. To commit such acts is not part of what the Mormon Church teaches. Michael Otterson explains,

As a church, our doctrinal position is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, that should never, ever be used as justification for unkindness. Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel.  His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down.

My hope is therefore that

within this community, and in others, kindness, persuasion and goodwill can prevail (Michael Otterson).


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